The Plunge

“The Plunge is not only entertaining and well-researched, it is also a jubilant exploration of a chilly topic, cold-water immersion and swimming.”–Booklist (starred)

“Thrilling…a high-spirited take on the unexpected rise of a frigid and fascinating sport.”–Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Mesmerizing. Chris Ballard does a deep dive into one of the most controversial health, fitness, and athletic crazes of our time. I still loathe cold water, but I loved this book.”–Adam Grant, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Hidden Potential, and host of the podcast Re: Thinking

“A brrrillant book! Ballard artfully explores the culture, physiology, and utter beauty of cold water swimming, a journey of exploration, joy, and enduring friendships. So warm in the utter cold. I couldn’t put the book down!”–Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica and Grayson

“Before reading The Plunge, I’d have rather sawed off a leg than submerged myself in 30-degree waters. But Chris Ballard’s book is–like an icy plunge–inspiring and invigorating. It also happens to be engrossing, masterful and life-affirming, all the hallmarks of one of America’s best writers.”–Jeff Pearlman, New York Times bestselling author of Only God Can Judge Me

“A deeply human book that shows us when we breathe through the shock and embrace the discomfort, we change our relationship to fear, to pain, and to ourselves. Ballard knows what it means to be alive.”–Jim Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inner Excellence

“Loads of vicarious chills and thrills.”–Kirkus

“A fascinating exploration of cold water plunging and swimming, from casual ice baths to extreme races in freezing waters. One of my all-time favorite sports journalists has written a book that is extraordinary in every sense of the word.”–Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC Olympic swimming analyst

“The Plunge isn’t just about cold swims, but rather an honest look at what happens when you step into cold water and learn to stay calm, training your nervous system so no matter where you are you show up steadier–in work, in training, in relationships. Simple practice. Real strength.”–Laird Hamilton, Big Wave Surfer

“An immersive look at the most immersive sport of them all. Chris Ballard is the perfect companion as he takes the reader through the history, the science, the psychology, the personalities, the dangers and–most of all–the benefits of taking The Plunge. And after reading, don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to join him. Every sport should have a book this good.”–Glenn Stout, author of Young Woman and the Sea

Chris Ballard is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked for two decades. He is the award-winning author of four books, including One Shot at Forever. Ballard has also contributed to National Geographic and The New York Times Magazine. His reporting for Plunge involved cold plunges and competing alongside Olympians at the Ice Swimming World Championships.

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